Omega Direct Irish Organic Beef - Farming with Altitude

Joe and Eileen Condon’s farm close to the Knockmealdown mountains in Co Tipperary, is a model farm for a state initiative “Farming with Altitude”, which has been developed to encourage use of the 450,000 acres of commonage in Ireland.

On their hill farm they produce exceptionally flavoursome beef, traceable from mountain to marketplace, using farming methods that are a model of sustainability.

The story begins in 1992 when Joe and Eileen moved back to Ireland after a period abroad, acquired ‘a rambling tract of hill land’, and converted to organic farming. Then, with a view to producing entirely grass-fed beef on their farm they explored different breeds, settling on Galloway, a breed with a double coat of hair, thick skin and the ability to thrive outside in harsh weather conditions.

The animals graze outdoors all year round so the land is fertilised directly, doing away with the need for artificial fertilisers.

The stocking rate is geared to a level that discourages scrub and encourages plant diversity. A recent ecological survey revealed 64 different plant species per hectare - a diet that is ideal for producing well-flavoured beef, it is also thought to increase levels of omega 3 and reduce methane emissions, as well as helping to build up the soil and prevent flooding.

A few miles away in Lismore, a respected craft butcher takes care of slaughtering. The whole carcass goes back to the farm (including all the interesting cuts like tongues and tails that are now often dumped) to a new on-farm packing unit for their company Omega Beef.

From there it is sold direct to restaurants, and retailed at Ardkeen Artisan and Fine Food Store, Waterford City, at local farmers’ markets (Dungarvan every Thursday; Waterford City Ardkeen, second Sunday of the month) and online (www.omegabeefdirect.ie). To order online you download a form, complete it and post with a cheque – a choice of three boxes is offered, with delivery available anywhere in Ireland.

Omega Beef employs a modern traceback system, plus an open farm gate policy, whereby customers are welcome to visit by arrangement and see this unique low-impact organic beef farm first-hand.

The 2010 Irish Food Writers’ Guild Environmental Award was presented to Joe and Eileen Condon, in recognition of their achievements in sustainable farming.

RECIPE: Steak with Grilled Summer Vegetables

A simple seasonal grill, to cook on the barbecue or in the kitchen.

Click for recipe